The Washington Commanders face the Green Bay Packers on this week’s edition of Thursday Night Football. Both teams looked dominant with Week 1 divisional wins, but the Commanders head out on the road for Thursday’s game and are the underdogs.
Thursday’s game gives Washington a chance to see a player it knows all too well: edge Micah Parsons.
The Packers shocked the NFL world before the season, agreeing to a trade with the Cowboys for the star pass rusher, and then signing him to a record extension. So, while the Commanders got Parsons out of the NFC East, they’ll see him again, this time on Thursday night. Parsons has enjoyed terrific success against Washington, recording 10.5 sacks in eight games. It’s the most sacks he’s had against any other team.
Last season was the first time that Parsons had played against quarterback Jayden Daniels. He was even better, picking up 4.5 sacks across the two meetings. Parsons was full of praise for the young quarterback, realizing the Commanders would now be a problem with Daniels under center.
Now, Parsons faces Washington as a fellow NFC contender rather than a divisional foe. When speaking to reporters on Tuesday, he didn’t appear too concerned about Daniels.
“You got horse engines now,” Parsons said. “I don’t see nobody outrunning me from the edge and stuff,” Parsons said. “And I’ve played him a bunch. He knows, like, it’s different. He’s used to those 6-5, 260 D-ends. I’m 245-250, that engine’s a little bit different than them 280s. I just got to make sure I get vertical if I’m going to take the inside move and make sure he don’t outrun me to the point. We’re going to give up some 5-yard runs or something. He’s going to get loose once or twice, but the thing is to make sure it’s not consecutive.”
Asked Micah Parsons if a QB like Jayden Daniels forces defenses to pick and choose how they rush the passer. Clearly, he’s not about that. No change in mentality coming from Parsons this week.
“We’ve got horse engines now. I don’t see anybody outrunning me from the edge.” pic.twitter.com/ANRudDfZOs
— Ryan Wood (@ByRyanWood) September 9, 2025
Washington rebuilt its offensive line, in part, to deal with Parsons twice per year. The Commanders traded for five-time Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil and spent a first-round pick on Oregon tackle Josh Conerly. Conerly could see plenty of Parsons on Thursday, and he’ll probably need some help.
How Washington handles Green Bay’s pass rush will likely play a significant role in Thursday’s outcome.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Commanders QB Jayden Daniels receives message from Micah Parsons
